15 Best Santa Movies to Fill You with the Christmas Spirit
They're sure to put you on the nice list!
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Time to put Mariah Carey on repeat and deck out the halls! It's finally the holidays and we've been waiting all year long to decorate the tree, bake our favorite Christmas treats, listen to Christmas music and take part in all the merriment that the season has to offer. After all, holiday vibes just can't be matched. One of our favorite ways to prepare for Christmas Day is to gather around the fire (or turn on the 8 hour yule log video on Youtube) and watch a heartwarming, comedic, or romantic Christmas movie. At the center of all of these beloved movies is the mascot of all things holly and jolly—Saint Nicholas! Nowadays, he's just going by Santa, though.
We put together a list of magical Santa movies that celebrate the most heartwarming stories about the man in the big red suit. There are classic holiday movies like The Polar Express and Miracle on 34th Street, as well as newer comedies like Fred Claus that give a modern spin to the beloved gift-giver. Some of them even focus on Santa’s best helpers, whether it’s his kids, siblings, reindeer, or one of his many elves (including the tall one that's obsessed with maple syrup). So when the weather outside turns frightful, we suggest turning to these Santa movies for a delightful dose of Christmas cheer. Oh and don't forget the hot chocolate!
Santa's youngest son goes on a wild journey to save Christmas and deliver the final gift of the season.
All aboard! Tom Hanks stars in the movie version of the beloved kids' Christmas book that taught us to believe.
In this classic, young Ralphie sets out to convince everyone that the best gift Santa could bring is the Red Rider BB gun.
When Santa finds himself on the run from the police, it's up to a father and a son to help him get home.
A litter of puppies sets off for the North Pole to help Santa and save Christmas.
Santa, I know him! Or at least, Buddy the Elf does. Buddy's adventure from the North Pole to the big city will have you laughing all day long.
You may find that you like Santa's brother, Fred, a little better than jolly old St. Nick after finishing up this Christmas comedy.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's character could use Santa's help as he tries to track down the perfect present for his son.
This classic Christmas movie follows a department store Santa, who ends up being so much more than meets the eye.
The Grinch is certainly a Santa imposter, but he starts to act a little bit more like Kris Kringle toward the end of the story.
Aww, this may be the cutest Santa movie around! Watch as the adorable pups try to stop a disaster that could ruin the holidays.
One elf has to bravely protect the magic of Santa's sleigh from an outside invasion.
Dudley Moore and John Lithgow star in the 1980s favorite about a toymaker who has the powers of Santa bestowed upon him.
This classic stop-motion flick tells the story of how Santa and several other well-known Christmas traditions came to be.
Megan Stein is the executive editor for The Pioneer Woman, and oversees entertainment, features, and news for the website. Whether it's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, or re-watching the best '80s movies for the zillionth time, she's always here to talk about anything and everything relating to pop culture.
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